POWER WITHINJames 3:1-5

Power Within They say a picture is worth 1,000 words There are also certain words that we

hear that gives us a particular vision in our heads

If I say food, you might picture a cheeseburger, fried chicken, or pizza

What about when I say the word “power”

Power Within

Power Within

Power Within

Power Within

Power Within When we think of power, we often

associate “bigger” with “better” We hear the phrase, “call in the big

guns” James addresses a subject in chapter 3

that seems to be a small matter However, big things can come in small

packages

Responsibility (v. 1) “With great power comes great

responsibility” “For everyone to whom much is given,

from him much will be required”(Lk. 12:48)

James says the same about the tongue when it comes to teaching in verse 1

Responsibility (v. 1) It’s not that James is discouraging

anyone from becoming a teacher of the gospel

James just wants us to think about and realize the great burden and responsibility that comes with this task

That weeds out those who aren’t serious about it or not in it for the right reason

Charge (v. 2) “For we all stumble in many things.

If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body”

James tells us that it is a difficult task to control the tongue

The one who does is a complete man

Charge (v. 2) The one who controls his tongue

should have no problem controlling the rest of the body

Paul mentioned how important it is to control one’s body (I Cor. 9:27)

We have a charge to control our tongues as well, and here is why…

Power (vs. 3-6) Even though the tongue is small, it

possesses a great deal of power In fact, the tongue has the potential

power to cause more harm and devastation than an Cat 5 Hurricane or US missile

James compares it to bits and rudders…

Power (vs. 3-6) The tongue, like those 2 things, is

also small but capable of great things

Another example is given of how just a small spark or flame can ignite and burn an entire forest

One little misspoken word can do so much damage

Power (vs. 3-6) The tongue has so much power for

damage that it is called it’s own little world of iniquity

Just like when an axel gets hot and heats up the entire wheel, one evil word spoken can affect the rest of the person

“set on fire by hell (Gehenna)”

Control (vs. 7-8) We have a responsibility to control

our tongues James says we can control large

animals, but we cannot tame the little tongue

Since the tongue is “full of deadly poison” we have a responsibility to control it

Control (vs. 7-8) James already told us in 1:26 that if

we do not control our tongue that our “religion” is useless

If we want to have a good life we should keep from speaking evil (I Pet. 3:10)

“He who guards his mouth preserves his life” (Prov. 13:3)

Control (vs. 7-8) Remember it stems from the heart “A good man out of the good treasure

of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matt. 12:35)

“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (v. 37)

Purpose (vs. 9-12) James finally explains that there

should be a purpose to our words Our tongue was not created to

curse men, rather to praise God The tongue should be used to do

good things, such as give praise, encouragement and help

Purpose (vs. 9-12) “A word fitly spoken is like apples of

gold in settings of silver” (Prov. 25:11)

“…the tongue of the wise promotes health” (Prov. 12:18)

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21)

Purpose (vs. 9-12) “Let no corrupt word proceed out of

your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29)

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one”(Col. 4:6)